Faith in the New Year: A Challenge

By: Lila Lowery

It is almost 2025, and I’m sure you have begun to think about New Year’s resolutions. Over the past few weeks, I have seen numerous posts on social media about resolutions, and glow ups, and how to be completely unrecognizable in 2025. Scrolling through all of this, it is easy to start stressing about your own life, thinking how will I accomplish all of this? Well the truth is, you don’t have to. Social media gives us completely unrealistic standards for ourselves because we see other people’s highlights, not their whole life story. But, I do think it is important to strive in self betterment, but in a different way. In 2025, I will be focusing on my faith journey, and I invite you to do the same.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His Righteousness and, and all these things will be provided for you” (Matthew 6:33).

The difference between building your faith and these unattainable resolutions is that you don’t have to immediately change yourself. You can come to God as you are, and He will help you pick up the pieces along the way. Just like it says in Matthew, when you seek God and His Kingdom, the rest of the things you want to improve on will become easier, because you have God. The most effective way to strengthen faith is to actively and frequently seek the Lord. He is everywhere in your life, but it can be hard to see it if you don’t have a relationship with Him. So how do you find Him? 

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

First and foremost, pray. Prayer is such a powerful tool to get closer with God and to give us more assurance and peace. Sometimes it can be overwhelming to me, because I think I have to say all the right things and do it perfectly. But, there is no right way to pray! God wants to hear from you and desires to be a part of your life. All you have to do is talk to Him. Tell Him about your day, ask for intercession for you and your loved ones, and give your worries and burdens to Him. I like to say a quick prayer before I get out of bed each morning to start my day with Jesus, and do more in depth prayer at night. But, the beauty of prayer is that it’s unique, so do whatever makes you feel connected to God. It is also vital to pray throughout the day to keep Him top of mind. Like before eating, and even just in moments of silence. Invite Jesus into your daily tasks and ventures, because it makes them so much better. 

“For the Word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword , penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow” (Hebrews 4:12).

Second, read your Bible. For me, Scripture is how I feel most connected to God because diving into the Word is like Him talking and giving advice that is applicable to our own lives. Sometimes when I read a passage, it correlates with my current situation so perfectly. I know that is God, helping me through it and advising me on what to do. This shows how personal our God is and how He wants to help us through every step of our journey.  Reading the Bible can be done in many ways. A group Bible study is great because you can hear others’ perspectives and it is fun to experience faith with a community, like Prayer and Purpose! It is also valuable to read it on your own and set up a time where it is just you and God. The Bible truly showcases God’s care for us because He wants to help us grow our faith, and what to do is shown in His Word. All we have to do is make an effort and sacrifice time to not only read it, but add it to our own lives and live it. Living the Word is so important because the Bible is powerful. Like Hebrews states, it is sharper than any double-edged sword.

“Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For the Lord your God is the one who will go with you; He will not leave you or abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

Third, look for God’s presence. He is everywhere! The world can be a scary place, but God’s presence makes it so much brighter. In Deuteronomy, Moses is telling Israel to not be afraid of other nations and tribes who will come their way, because God is with them. God is with us too, and always will be. He is with us when we fight our battles, holding our anxieties and fears. God is also there in the mundane and simple moments of life too. He is the flowers you see on your drive to school, the laughter of your friends, the sun rising in the morning. And of course, God is found in Mass and church services, through the Eucharist, adoration, and confession. God is omnipresent, and wants to be there for every single one of us.

So, you’ve seen ways to seek God. Now, how do you implement them in 2025? Here is a challenge to help you do so!

Challenge:

• Read the Bible at least 3 times a week. (Through the physical book, a podcast, or an app or website like Biblegateway.com.)

• Spend time with God before you go on your phone.

• Pray at least 2 times a day.

• Find 3 glimpses of God each day.

• Write Bible verses on sticky notes and put them on your mirror